Monday, January 17, 2011

VETERANS BENEFITS

Some information that may be helpful...

As part of Veterans Financial's ongoing commitment to you and your families, we are writing to notify you that the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) annual recertification process has started. Many of your residents and clients who are collecting the VA’s Aid & Attendance Pension benefit have already received a gold or green Eligibility Verification Report (EVR). This form must be completed without errors and returned to the VA by March 1st. Failure to do so will result in an interruption or loss of benefits. As a result, Veterans Financial is happy to provide assistance with EVRs.

For Veterans Financial's help with an Eligibility Verification Report:

1. Copy the original form;
2. Complete the copy;
3. Fax to (484) 489-2708;
4. Allow 2-3 business days for a return call.

Anyone without an EVR should contact the Department of Veterans Affairs directly at (877) 294-6380. Please note that those who only receive Social Security Income may not receive one.

For the second consecutive year, neither Aid & Attendance nor Social Security rates were increased, so recipients will not be collecting any additional income in 2011. This, along with record low interest rates and a poor housing market, makes promoting VA benefits important to the health of your census.

Looking ahead, Veterans Financial is eager to help your marketing efforts this year by presenting workshops, printing custom flyers and purchasing veteran mailing lists. For more information on these programs, to request a supply of 2011 flyers, please contact (800) 835-1541.

2011 Monthly Aid & Attendance Pension Maximum Rates:

Surviving Spouse: $1,056

Independent Veteran with Spouse in Need of Care: $1,291

Single Veteran: $1,644

Married Couple with Veteran in Need of Care: $1,949

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Your Doctor Wants to Know You


How to Get Better Health Care

Your guide to asking the right questions. We have all left a doctor’s office feeling like we were rushed through an appointment or later feeling like we need more information. This leaves us considering:

* Other questions that didn’t get asked
* Symptoms that didn’t get a chance to be revealed
* What we don’t understand about the diagnosis or treatment plan
* Other health conditions that may be important for the doctor to know about
* Preventive care options for avoiding health issues in the future

This guide will help you avoid these common issues and give you the tools to take charge of your health care and create a successful relationship with your doctor. It provides a list of the right questions for you to ask your doctor before, during and after your visit as well as accompanying forms for listing your symptoms, medications, and other health care providers. The guide helps you organize your thoughts and information prior to seeing your doctor so you are better prepared to communicate not only what is important to you, but also what is significant for the doctor to know in order to provide the best care for you. Initiating better communication with your physician is easy with this guide and offers the potential for better health care results.

To read the rest of this article, follow the hyperlink below

http://www.csa.us/email/spirit/ssarticles/1210SSMedNews.html

Monday, October 11, 2010

Seniors Accentuate the Positive in Life

Many adults expect to feel a sense of loss, or even depression, as they enter old age. But rather than experiencing unhappiness about the effects of aging, many seniors report an increased sense of peace and contentment. Instead of feeling limited, they feel liberated.

It's well established that how we think affects how we feel. For example, simply smiling can actually make a person happier. Older adults can use this approach to focus on positive emotions and suppress negative emotions, to enhance their overall emotional well-being. By directing their intellectual resources toward their emotional goals, seniors can improve their present emotional state.
Enjoying the "golden years"

Rather than longing for the "good old days," seniors are enjoying their golden years. According to a study conducted by ExtendHealth, a Medicare exchange provider, only 3 percent of 471 retirees surveyed said they miss their jobs, and only 2 percent said they have too much free time.

The fact that older adults often see their lives in a positive light provides a great opportunity for those who work with seniors. Caregivers and professionals can often provide resources that support seniors' connections to their families, friends, community and social networks and thus enhance their emotional well-being.

In addition, because seniors often make decisions on more emotional than intellectual levels, it's important to make positive emotional connections with them. Caregivers and professionals can benefit by presenting their services as positive enhancements to older adults' lives.

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Effects of Summer Heat on Elderly

Summer for most is a season that holds great enjoyment, with the anticipation of picnics, vacations and outdoor events. But for older adults, summer can threaten overall health and wellness. Elderly individuals are much more vulnerable to illnesses related to sun and heat exposure. Dehydration, sunburn, heat exhaustion and heat stroke are just a few hazards of warm weather months.

Why are older adults at greater risk for heat related illnesses? There are a number of factors that contribute to this:

* Lack of hydration - some older adults with health conditions must adhere to fluid restrictions, thus increasing the risk of not drinking enough liquids. Additionally, some older adults refrain from drinking adequate amounts of water because it is a hardship for them to make frequent trips to the bathroom.
* As adults age, their skin becomes increasingly more fragile, which makes overexposure while in the sun a threat.
* Older adults who hesitate to turn on their air conditioning for fear of running up the electric bill may ultimately be suffering in unventilated, hot environments.
* As individuals age, their bodies don't adjust as well to temperature changes.
* Some prescription medications can impede the body's ability to perspire when needed.

Below are some tips to make sure that the older adult you love and care for remains safe and healthy throughout the summer:

* Take regular cool showers or baths.
* Drink plenty of non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated beverages every day. Ask your primary care physician about necessary fluid restrictions.
* Assure adequate resting time.
* Wear lightweight clothing - discourage sweaters and heavy layers.
* Provide a well ventilated, air-conditioned environment when necessary.
* Use sun block and sun screen while outdoors. Don't forget about a hat to shade the top of the head or thinning hair.
* Offer assistance with strenuous activities such as gardening, mowing and walking to destinations.
* Check in with your loved-one regularly.

Geriatric care managers can provide the much needed peace of mind for family members who are not able to check in regularly with their aging loved-ones by acting as the eyes and ears for family members. They can identify risk factors and implement strategies to reduce the risk of a crisis. For more information or to make a referral, call 612-396-5473

Friday, April 30, 2010

Free Spring Shredding Event

Where: The Colony at Eden Prairie
When: Tuesday May 4, 2010
Time: 1-3 p.m.

All shredding will be done immediately on-site. Bring all of your papers documents and any mail you want to shred.

Refreshments will be Served.

Sponsored by:

Along Life's Path
Mary Kay Cosmetics
Neil Kingsbeck, Funeral Preplanner
Seversen, Sheldon Elder Care Attorneys
St. Joseph Sent Me
Twin Cities Senior Relocation and Transition Specialists
Liz Rosenberg, Massage Therapist

Thursday, March 4, 2010

Starting the Conversation with Your Parents


Here are some tips to help you start a difficult conversation with your Mom or Dad. This may be about nursing home placement, funeral pre-planning or just obtaining health care at home:

1. Acknowledge the difficulty of the situation
Changing roles
Difficult subject

2. Look at the facts- be gentle and sensitive(if there is resistance back up and create a safe space before proceeding)

3. Ask questions- be curious- look for ways to have the senior control the conversation

4. Identify the outcome you are both looking for-the future you want to create. Be open to their thoughts and thinking outside the box.

5. Inquire into what would help the senior create the next stage of their life as the Best part of their life.

6. Develop concrete action items that don't overwhelm.

Remember, it takes courage, compassion and generosity to make a good conversation and a willingness to change your mind.

Provided by the Society of Certified Senior Advisors. http://www.csa.com

Monday, December 21, 2009

Happy Holidays


Happy Holidays to all my clients, colleagues and business associates. I wish you all the best in the coming year.

Watch Out for Illegal Insurance Practices

It is illegal for anyone to do the following:
• Pressure you into buying a Medigap (Medicare Supplement Insurance) policy, or lie
to or mislead you to switch from one company or policy to another.
• Sell you a second Medigap policy when they know that you already have one,unless you tell the insurance company in writing that you plan to cancel your existing
Medigap policy.
• Sell you a Medigap policy if they know you have Medicaid, except in certain situations.
• Sell you a Medigap policy if they know you are in a Medicare Advantage Plan (like an HMO, PPO or private Fee-for-Service Plan) (unless your coverage under the
Medicare Advantage Plan will end before the effective date of the Medigap policy).
• Claim that a Medigap policy is part of the Medicare program or any other Federal program. Medigap is private health insurance.
• Claim that a Medicare Advantage Plan is a Medigap policy.
• Sell you a Medigap policy that can’t legally be sold in your state. Check with your
State Insurance Department to make sure that the Medigap policy you are interested
in can be sold in your state.
• Misuse the names, letters or symbols of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS), Social Security Administration (SSA), Centers for Medicare &
Medicaid Services (CMS), or any of their various programs like Medicare. (For example, they can’t suggest the Medigap policy has been approved or recommended by the Federal government.)
• Sell you a Medicare Advantage Plan when you want to stay in Original Medicare and buy a Medigap policy. A Medicare Advantage Plan isn’t the same as Original Medicare. If you enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan you will be disenrolled from Original Medicare and can’t use a Medigap policy.

If you believe that a Federal law has been broken, call the Inspector General’s hotline at 1-800-HHS-TIPS (1-800-447-8477). TTY users should call 1-800-377-4950. Your State Insurance Department can help you with other insurance-related problems.

This information is provided by Society of Certified Senior Advisors® (SCSA) www.csa.us and comes from Choosing a Medigap Policy 2009 at www.medicare.gov.

Saturday, October 17, 2009

New Resources Available for the Twin Cities Area Seniors and Their Families

Twin Cities area seniors now have a new resource to help them age successfully. Barbara Grimm, CSA, with Along Life’s Path, recently completed a comprehensive course through the Society of Certified Senior Advisors (SCSA) and earned the designation of Certified Senior Advisor (CSA)®. SCSA in an international organization that has trained more than 20,000 professionals to meet the changing needs of a growing senior population.

The explosion in growth of the senior population is one of the most important demographic developments of the 21st century. Two-thirds of the people who have lived past the age of 65 are alive today. In the United States alone, seniors (age 65 and older) number 35 million and will continue to increase (with women being the largest segment), leading an unprecedented shift in the age of the population. By 2030, the U.S. Bureau of Census predicts there will be about 70 million people who are age 65 or older-one in five Americans will be seniors.

This demographic shift requires an educated response in how professionals work with senior and the challenges and opportunities they face. Barbara Grimm said:

“With more people living longer, we are already beginning to see changes in how seniors function in our society, from retirees who choose to start a second or third career, to various forms of alternative senior housing and new approaches to diet, exercise and overall health care for seniors”.

As a CSA, Barbara Grimm will participate in continuing education that emphasizes ethical selling and business practices and volunteer service specific to seniors.

Barbara Grimm is a Daily Money Manager for Seniors. For a free in-home consultation, call 612/385-6446 or email alonglifespath@juno.com

Monday, August 24, 2009

Facebook Fan Page

As you can see, I now am on Facebook and I wanted to let you know about my "Fan" page for Along Life's Path, Inc. If you go into Facebook on your account and search for Along Life's Path in the Search bar, you will find my "Fan" page. Please become a fan and watch for interesting articles, events and discussions posted there.

I hope to see you on Facebook and soon on Twitter.

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

The Costs of Eldercare

Did you know that more time is spent away from work for eldercare than childcare? It's true... Seniors now stay in their homes longer and approximately 90% of all care provided in the home is done by a family caregiver.

The average length of care-giving for an older family member is 4.3 years... More time than their younger children spend in daycare. Adult children often work full time, raise a family, maybe run a business and then haul children to sports and activities. Now add to that the time they spend taking care of their parents' homes, financial paperwork and doctor appointments. WOW!

The employers of adult children are highly impacted by the loss of time their employees are forced to absorb. In this time of financial hardship, adult children are often worried that the additional time spent away from work will cause them to lose their jobs or impact their future with the company.

What can you do? Nobody wants to neglect the loved ones who took such good care of us when we were young. And yet, aren't we entitled to have our lives too?

What is most needed is resources and a strong support system. Ask your employers if flexible time is an option for you. That will decrease stress for employees and employers. Having a flexible schedule allows you to make those doctor appointments during regular hours and only miss a few hours rather than calling in sick yourself to take Mom or Dad. If your employer is flexible, perhaps you can work earlier in the morning or later in the evening and still finish work on time.

Another good supportive tool is to do some research proactively. In other words, look for home health care agencies, attorneys, financial planners, daily money managers and other resources to assist you when you need help. There are many resources out there that will be happy to give you a free consultation BEFORE the crisis hits.

As a Daily Money Manager, I often help people find the resources they need. Even if they don't need my services now or in the near future, they may some day. And I would be happy to help them find viable solutions for their aging parents, aunts, uncles and/or grandparents.

Call me for a FREE consultation at 612/385-6446.
Or email alonglifespath@juno.com

Sunday, April 19, 2009

Don't Believe Everything You Read

Recently, there have been several articles in the Minneapolis Star Tribune about conservators, guardians, and power of attorneys. These articles seem to indicate that there are people out there in the senior industry who are out to take money from their clients.

One recent article indicated that a person from "A Little Help for the Elderly and Disabled" obtained a power of attorney from a man in a nursing home whose wife did not follow through with an application for Medical Assistance. Without knowing all the details... it seems that the person did not advise the wife of the man about the power of attorney obtained. It is hard to know if that is really the case, but the wife claims the new attorney in fact spent thousands on a pre-paid burial and paid herself over a thousand dollars in service fees.

I have to say that the article is misleading. It is perfectly normal to pre-pay a funeral as a method of spending down to qualify for Medical Assistance. The amounts vary but those become exempt assets and therefore not counted in determining eligibility. Also, the time involved in completing a Medical Assistance application would certainly entail many hours of hard work and depending on the hourly rate, would be at least $1,000.

I would suggest that there are people out there who really, truly care for their senior clients. I would hope that the person involved in this case had the man's best interests at heart. At worst, I believe there may have been an error in having an incapacitated person sign a power of attorney.

As a former paralegal in Elder Law, I would never ask an incapacitated person to sign a document giving away financial powers to me or anyone. This is a very unfortunate incident and I don't know the person in question, but, I would hope this serves as a reminder to all families out there. It is very important that you obtain good references for any services provided to seniors. Know your rights and particularly safeguard your vulnerable family members' rights as well.

Call me with any questions in this regard. (612) 385-6446.

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

NEWS YOU CAN USE IN THE NEW YEAR


I have been slightly remiss in adding to my blog as you can see... However, I wanted to update the blog with news and some upcoming events:

NEWS YOU CAN USE:

I am now a licensed insurance agent for health, life and accident. I will be getting appointed to an insurance company so I can help you with your insurance needs.

I joined Absolute Connections chapter of BNI, the world's premier networking group.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

March 16, 2009 @ 1:30 p.m.

"Who can you trust with your money?" I will be speaking at Augustana Apartments in downtown Minneapolis on how to protect yourself from theft, fraud, or scams... whether it is inflicted by strangers or your own family. Recently, there have been several articles in the newspaper about vulnerable seniors and how easily their assets were liquidated often without them even being aware.

There are still reputable people out there who can help you with your money management and won't take advantage of you. But...you have to be alert and aware of the warning signs and empower yourself or others to take action on your behalf.

March 23, 2009 at 7 p.m.

"Who can you trust with your money?" I will be speaking at Calvary Cooperative in Golden Valley on how to protect yourself from theft, fraud, or scams... whether it is inflicted by strangers or your own family. Recently, there have been several articles in the newspaper about vulnerable seniors and how easily their assets were liquidated often without them even being aware.

There are still reputable people out there who can help you with your money management and won't take advantage of you. But...you have to be alert and aware of the warning signs and empower yourself or others to take action on your behalf.

If you would like to attend either event, please contact me at alonglifespath@juno.com

Saturday, December 13, 2008

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

Thank you all for your support this past year. My business continues to grow and the success I have achieved in part belongs to my friends who have been so supportive.

I wish you all the happiest holiday season and continued blessings in the coming year.

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

HOLIDAYS QUICKLY APPROACHING

Now that the holiday season is knocking on our doors, I would like to remind those of you who will be visiting your aging parents to pay a little extra attention to their situation. For example: Is there mail all over the house that remains unopened?
Is their house not quite as clean as mom used to keep it?
Are there bills that haven't been paid or notices of termination of utility service?


These are signs that things may be getting overwhelming for your aging parents. Don't confront them directly but gently suggest that you may be able to help or you know someone who can help them with day to day money management. Often your parents don't want you to know how confusing things have become for them. It's important, however, that they get some assistance or at least have access to resources for when they do need it.

ALONG LIFE'S PATH can help. Even if they don't want my services (per se), I can direct you or your loved ones to just about every kind of resource available to seniors. I am more than happy to assist in any way I can. I know what it's like to struggle with running your own life and trying to stay up with Mom and Dad's personal business.

What this means for you is that next holiday season you can spend time with your family without the stress and anxiety of worrying about Mom and Dad.

Sunday, October 12, 2008

FALL AGING CONFERENCE

The Annual Fall Aging Conference sponsored by the Minneapolis and St. Paul Area Senior Workers Association will be held THURSDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2008. It is held at Earle Brown Heritage Center, Brooklyn Center, MN.

This conference is geared to all workers in the senior industry. There will be a large vendor fair as well as interesting speakers. This year's theme is:
"THE INVISIBLE ELDER" The cost is $60 for members and $75 for non-members. You can join MASWA at the Conference.

For more information you can link to www.seniorworkers.org and register online.


Scott County Senior Expo

Reminder: The Scott County Senior Expo will be held on Friday, October 17, 2008 from 8:00 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the (new)
Shakopee Senior High School.
1000 17th Avenue West
Shakopee, MN

Many vendors, such as myself, will be there with information and resources for our aging parents, spouses and family members. They will be able to answer questions on services available to the senior community. Please stop by the booth for "Savvy Seniors" where we will be handing out the guidebook with a wealth of information.

Door prizes will be awarded at lunch time.

Monday, September 8, 2008

A Shining Star


"Strictly Seniors" a cable TV show on Channel 6 locally, will have me (Barb Grimm) as the guest on an upcoming show. The air date is Tuesday, September 16, 2008 at 6:30 p.m. It also airs on the following Wednesday morning but the time is to be announced.

I hope you will tune in and let me know what you think about my stellar performance. Just kidding.

Roland Minda is the host of the show and his website is
www.strictly-seniors. com
Feel free to check out the website for other interesting appearances by people in the senior industry.

Monday, August 11, 2008

It's State Fair Time- Financials on a Stick

A very good friend of mine and my best referral partner is hosting seminars at the State Fair this month. Don't miss this opportunity to hear him speak, especially if you are caring for an aging parent locally or from afar.

Just when you thought everything at the State Fair was already on a stick, there’s a new “stick” at the 2008 Minnesota State Fair—financials served, yes, on a stick.

The Ramberg Senior Center is hosting financial information workshops for fair goers. The 15 minute workshops feature Jim Bear, president and founder of J. Alan Financial in Champlin, Minnesota. Jim is a regular columnist for Minnesota’s Good Age magazine.

Jim made financial planning his career choice somewhat accidentally about 21 years ago after a family member was financially hurt based on poor investment advice. Today, “Safe Money” is Jim’s specialty--focusing his efforts to people over 50 years of age and their need for income, safety, and reduced taxes and risk.

You can attend Jim’s workshop on “5 Mistakes IRA Owners Make…and How They May Cost You” by visiting the Ramberg Senior Center booth located on the corner of Judson Avenue and Underwood Street.

Jim will present on Monday, August 25th and Thursday, August 28th at 11:20 a.m. and 12:35 p.m.

Get your 5 Mistakes on a Stick by attending one of Jim’s workshops.

Financial Mistakes on a Stick might be the easiest “on a stick” item to keep. It won’t smell bad after a week!

To receive a full copy of Jim’s report on the 5 Mistakes, contact Jim at 763-746-0829 or Jim@SafeMoneyAdvisorMN.com

Website www.SafeMoneyAdvisorMN.com